Start: Rawlins, Econo Lodge
Stop: 1665.3
Today’s Miles: 28.4
Total CDT miles: 1317.3
Ok, so, 28 miles after feeling like I was going to actually die for the last two days was pretty damn ambitious. No one else seemed to struggle today, and naturally I was last to show up to camp.. actually, I almost didn’t even make it to camp.
We got breakfast together this morning at McDonald’s before all starting the road walk out of Rawlins. My feet did not feel ready, but Wolf is quite the motivator, so gabbing with her while walking distracted me a good bit. It was a long road walk, then at a cut through of some desert scrubs I fell way behind everyone. I swore I heard a snake rattle, so I hightailed it to a fence, got over it, and just continued on the road.
My limp got better for a while, I guess once my muscles warmed up. But road walking today was still pretty painful. Around 3pm I stopped to sit, rest, and put on my sandals. After an hour in the sandals, my limp was back. There was no way I was going to shove my feet into my shoes again though.. they felt so swollen and achy. It was hot, and eventually the paved road turned to dirt roads, and that seemed to ease up the pain a little. Everyone else was miles ahead.
I text our group chat late afternoon and told everyone I didn’t think I was going to make it to our decided camp spot. I was miles short, and low on water, but my legs were hurting too much so I was planning to call it quits for the day. Firefly asked how much water I had with me, because I was in between water sources, and less than a half liter was all I had.. he left his Gatorade bottle filled with water on the trail for me-so I decided I at least had to get to his bottle.. and then maybe camp there where he left it.
When I found his water, I was only a few miles from the campsite, and the sun was cooling off some.. I put some electrolytes in my water bottle and decided to keep pushing closer to them, with the intent of being close enough to not be too far behind tomorrow. The sunset was stunning and storm clouds were rolling in. Everywhere I looked to camp was sloped or covered in sharp cactus needles.
I kept moving, when I realized I was close enough to just make it everyone else since I hadn’t found anywhere decent to camp, I got a little more pep in my step! The clouds looked wild and the wind was whipping through. I rolled up to everyone already set up and in their tents just as it was getting dark! I was so happy I made it and everyone cheered. I quickly got more water and set my tent up, all the while waiting for the sky to drop out.
Naturally, right as the wind got real insane and the sky looked terrifying, I had to poop. Perfect. I ran out of my tent and down the path to find a safe spot to dig my hole, the whole time expecting to get completely drenched when the rain came. Those clouds were intense! There was lightening off in the distance, but magically, I made it back to my safe haven completely dry, before the few sprinkles that came started to fall. I’ll call that a success. I ate my dinner in my tent, talking with everyone through closed tent vestibule doors, and now we’re all tucked in and quiet, with a soft patter of rain coming and going.
I think I’ll sleep good tonight! I’m still shocked I hiked almost 30 miles after managing to do 55.5 miles on my 24 hour challenge only 2 days ago! These new friends of mine are a tad nuts-but I’m loving each of them more and more each day. I’m glad I made it to them tonight, more than they’ll ever know, I’m sure. For me to be so independent 98% of the time, this trail is so much more enjoyable with friends. Sweet dreams, yall.